Concussion Crisis: The Rise of Head Injuries in Youth Sports

Each year in the United States, about 1.6 to 3.8 million athletes experience a concussion.

A concussion is a brain injury caused by a hit to the head that forces the brain to move quickly inside the skull. Concussions can be minor with few side effects, or they may be severe with symptoms impacting the body, emotions, and brain function. Doctors can diagnose concussions and suggest a treatment plan.

Among young athletes, the sports most likely to cause a concussion are football, soccer, lacrosse, and ice hockey. Learn how concussions occur and how they are diagnosed and treated. Then discover the dangers of concussions in sports and how athletes can prevent getting injured.